Article Photos

"While some people think Oktoberfest started as a harvesting fest or to get rid of old beer inventory, it was invented for the wedding of a Bavarian prince in 1810," says Brigit & Bernard's owner-chef, Bernard Weber. "Today it is the biggest party in the world, drawing over 7-million visitors from all countries imaginable."

In Germany, chefs in festzelts (tents) will serve more than 525,000 chickens, 350,000 bratwursts and go through 118 bulls, he says.

Brigit & Bernard's event is cozier, but it would not be the smallest in Munich. The all-you-can-eat buffet features lentil and wurst soup, and German potato and kraut salads as bases for bratwurst and roast chicken dishes. Spaetzle pairs with Bavarian meat loaf while braised red cabbage goes with sauerbraten and sweet mustard. Cost is $38 per person. Desserts such as apfelstrudel with vanilla bean sauce, German beers and shots of jaegermeister are extra.